P0017 on Mercedes-Benz
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B
P0017 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor b. Au7o has documented this code across 6 Mercedes-Benz models — most commonly on CLS-Class, E-Class, M-Class. This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their proper timing relationship with each other. The computer compares the crankshaft position signal to the camshaft position signal, and when they don't line up within the allowed window, it sets this correlation code. This usually points to mechanical timing being off, most often from a stretched or worn timing chain, a slipped or stuck variable valve timing phaser, or a tensioner problem. You may notice rough running, low power, rattling at startup, or a no-start, and it should be addressed promptly to avoid valve-to-piston contact on some engines. Typical repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $1,500 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0017
- •Stretched or worn timing chain
- •Worn or failed timing chain tensioner or guides
- •Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser
- •Faulty VVT oil control/solenoid valve
- •Low or dirty engine oil affecting phaser operation
- •Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
- •Timing chain jumped a tooth or incorrect timing after service
- •Damaged reluctor (tone) ring
P0017 on Mercedes-Benz by Model
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class(1 issue)
- M272 Balance Shaft Gear Wear and Failure2005-2010
The M272 V6 and M273 V8 engines in early CLS models suffer from a well-documented balance shaft gear failure where the idler gear sprocket wears prematurely due to a manufacturing defect. The worn gear produces a rattling noise on startup and can eventually cause engine timing issues and catastrophic damage if the gear teeth strip completely.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class(1 issue)
- M272 Balance Shaft Gear Wear2005-2011
The M272 3.5L V6 has a defective balance shaft gear that wears prematurely due to a soft sprocket material used in early production. When the gear teeth strip, the balance shaft stops functioning, causing severe engine vibration and potential timing chain skip.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class(1 issue)
- M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear2006-2011
The M272 V6 engine in ML350 models is affected by the same balance shaft sprocket wear issue found across all Mercedes M272-equipped vehicles. The idler gear wears prematurely, producing a progressively worsening rattle on startup and eventually causing timing chain faults. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect that Mercedes addressed with updated parts.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Variator Noise on M276/M278 Engines2013-2020
The R231 SL with M276 V6 or M278 V8 engines develops a distinctive rattling noise from the timing chain area on cold starts. The cam adjuster magnets (variators) lose oil pressure overnight, allowing the chains to slap against the guides until oil pressure builds. This noise worsens over time and can eventually lead to stretched chains and timing issues.
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class(1 issue)
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear2005-2008
Certain M272 V6 engines used in the SLK280 and SLK350 can suffer premature wear of the balance shaft sprocket and timing components. As the sprocket teeth wear, cam/crank correlation drifts, causing check-engine lights, rough running, poor performance, and in severe cases internal engine timing damage.
Mercedes-Benz SLK/SLC(2 issues)
- M271 Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure2005-2011
The M271 supercharged four-cylinder engine in early SLK models is prone to timing chain stretch and tensioner failure. The single-row chain stretches over time, and the hydraulic tensioner fails to take up the slack. This causes a rattling noise on startup and can lead to jumped timing and catastrophic engine damage if the chain skips teeth.
- M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear and Failure2005-2011
The M272 V6 engine in SLK280, SLK300, and SLK350 models suffers from the well-documented balance shaft sprocket wear issue common across all Mercedes M272-equipped vehicles. The idler gear sprocket wears prematurely due to a softer-than-specification material, producing a progressively worsening rattle and eventual timing faults.
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View P0017 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0017 mean on Mercedes-Benz?▼
P0017 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B." This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their proper timing relationship with each other. The computer compares the crankshaft position signal to the camshaft position signal, and when they don't line up within the allowed window, it sets this correlation code. This usually points to mechanical timing being off, most often from a stretched or worn timing chain, a slipped or stuck variable valve timing phaser, or a tensioner problem. You may notice rough running, low power, rattling at startup, or a no-start, and it should be addressed promptly to avoid valve-to-piston contact on some engines. On Mercedes-Benz specifically, this code is documented across 6 models.
What causes P0017 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles?▼
Common causes on Mercedes-Benz: Stretched or worn timing chain, Worn or failed timing chain tensioner or guides, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser, Faulty VVT oil control/solenoid valve, Low or dirty engine oil affecting phaser operation. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0017 on a Mercedes-Benz?▼
Repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $1,500 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Mercedes-Benz models have P0017 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0017 on 6 Mercedes-Benz models: CLS-Class, E-Class, M-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class, SLK/SLC.